Cadillac | Collecting Model Cars

Chevy Impala

The Chevrolet Impala first introduced back in 1958. It was presented and sold as an upscale sporty package than the standard Bel-Air Coupes and Convertibles of the time. Very unique for the day was the new 1958 Impala’s six tail lights that really set it apart from the other models. The new Impala’s styling set a standard and trademark for Chevrolet. In 1959 the Impala became a truly separate model with both 2 door and 4 door versions. The Impala starting in 1960 turned out to be the best-selling car in the good old USA. The Impala held this title for the next ten years.
The name for the 1958 Chevy first appeared on a show car used in 1956. It was a 1956 Corvette presented at the General Motors Motorama. The Corvette sported an emerald green metallic paint, had white interior with a hardtop and called an Impala.

The Impala got its start back in 1958 and is still made to this very day. The Impala has always been a popular model for Chevrolet. The standard “X” frame on the Cadillac and other Chevys was also used for the Impala.

The first big change to its styling came in 1961. The 1961 Sport Coupe were more trim than the 58 to 60 versions. With what was referred to as a “bubbleback” roofline the 61’ was unique. So different it did not sell very well and not too many were ordered making it a very scarce collectible. Even more scarce was the Super Sport (SS) made its debut the first time in 1961.

In 1962 things got a little more interesting with Sport Coupe models came in a convertible. Engine choices also got exciting with the introduction of the famous 409 cubic-inch (6.7 L). This model made famous by the Beach Boys hit single “409”.

For the Impala model collector the selections are awesome. Model makers have been around making them since 1958 with all of the best manufactures producing the famous race cars and police car versions. The most known police interceptor’s were the 2000 to 2005 a special police package.